Circle of Champions: From 'Mania to Make-A-Wish

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Last night, Shawn Michaels closed his eyes, glanced down at the mat, told Ric Flair "I'm sorry," and landed Sweet Chin Music to the jaw of his longtime friend -- shutting the door on an era. It was one of the most emotional victories in HBK's illustrious career.

The day after Michaels and Flair's historical finish, the three-time WWE Champion met with Make-A-Wish kids in the locker room area at Orlando's Amway Arena. To Michaels, a proud husband and father, his WrestleMania XXIV experience was life changing, but to be able to touch the hearts of WWE's Circle of Champions kids was truly inspiring.

"This brings you back to reality when you can meet these very strong kids, who are fighting every step of the way," HBK said of the meeting.

"True Champs" Ricardo Arevalo, 7; Jorge Rojas, 16; Camden Sublett, 7; Shane Tittle, 20; Fernando Cordero, 16; and Jesse Ogden, 13, were all guests at WrestleMania XXIV, and part of WWE's biggest wish-granting event ever. Besides attending their first WrestleMania, the Wish kids were also honored at the Bacon, Bagels and Biceps Brunch by Superstars Batista and Matt Hardy, among others. They also got a chance to meet Father Hood star Snoop Dogg and actress Raven-Symoné. But the opportunity to meet their favorite Superstars — HBK and Triple H — topped everything.

"I've said it a million times, I live and breathe the WWE Championship, but there are things that are far more important than that," The Game explained. "Today, I got to spend time with [Make-A-Wish kids] and put a smile on kids' faces who probably haven't smiled in a while. That's what's really important."

And smiles are exactly what DX brought. When The Game was asked by Cordero to autograph his T-shirt using his nickname, Nandy, Triple H responded "like Nandy Orton." Cordero laughed out loud and shook his head to gesture yes.

"It's the sexy boy," Arevalo, of Miami, shouted out when he saw The Showstopper step into the room wearing his tan cowboy hat. "I love Shawn Michaels' entrance song."

HBK and Triple H signed autographs, posed with the Circle of Champions honorees and their families, and chatted about their respective WrestleMania matches — making memories that these Wish kids will never forget.